Research Information

Supplementation with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients can have direct and indirect benefits for numerous bodily systems, including supporting normal antioxidant processes, detoxification, digestion as well as absorption of nutrients, circulation, protein synthesis, and immune function (1). Vitamins and minerals work synergistically. For example, vitamins C and E support each other as part of the body’s antioxidant network that helps protect against premature aging related to oxidative damage to DNA and proteins, cellular structural membranes, and lipids (2). B vitamins are essential for energy metabolism but can only be used effectively by the body when they are in their metabolically active coenzyme forms (3). Many people have genetic differences that impair this conversion process, but coenzymated B vitamins are metabolically active nutrients that the body can use directly. This formula contains biologically active preformed coenzyme forms of B vitamins such as Quatrefolic®, the stabilized glucosamine salt of (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), that is well absorbed and directly usable by the body. MTHF works alongside methylcobalamin (active B12) and pyridoxal 5-phosphate (active B6) to help regulate levels of homocysteine, a substance made in body during normal metabolism. Elevated blood homocysteine levels have been link to an increased risk of poor cardiovascular health (4). Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are essential for the development and maintenance of bones and teeth, while vitamins D3 and K2 support the absorption and activity of these minerals. A 10-year population-based study evaluated 9,382 men and women over the age of 25. The study revealed a significant association between calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and improved bone mineral density. Participants taking vitamin D in doses greater than 400 IU per day had significantly higher bone mineral density in the hip region (5). Lutein is a protective pigment that is highly concentrated in the retina, where it helps protect against oxidative damage, including photodamage from ultraviolet light. Lutein also protects against visible signs of aging and damage to other tissues through its antioxidant activity (6). Zinc is essential for the activity of numerous enzymes involved in hormone balance, and the prostate gland concentrates zinc more than any other tissue in the male body (7). Zinc may help decrease the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which may then reduce stimulation of prostate cell proliferation and lessen symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), such as urinary difficulties (8). Coenzyme Q10 is an essential cofactor for mitochondrial energy production and is a key antioxidant, especially in energy hungry tissues such as the brain, heart, and other muscles (9). L-citrulline is readily absorbed and is efficiently converted to arginine, an amino acid that supports circulation. Unlike supplemental arginine, L-citrulline does not increase production of arginase, the enzyme that converts it into ornithine, another amino acid with different effects on the body. This means that L-citrulline may be better at enhancing levels of arginine, and nitric oxide, in the blood and tissues, to offer greater support for circulation (10). References (max 10)

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Food for Thought

Every time you choose a plant-based food, you’re choosing to feed more people, reduce the burden on the environment, and improve your health. This single strategy has profound implications for food availability and protecting the environment. By reducing land, water, and energy use, and protecting the web of life, organic, sustainable agriculture benefits the entire human race. This is the driving force behind VitaDay and VegiDay.

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